It is indeed a very positive development. One just needs to be mindful that this is still listed as a timetable for consultation (SE webiste promises to publish the final new timetable “early 2018”) and this new timetable is only for a period from May 2018 to start December 2018. So I just really hope they a) keep this enhanced direct service to Blackfriars in the final timetable; and b) they keep this service beyond the initial 6 months period.